Monthly Archives: August 2013

Fast, Easy, Nutritious & Yummy!

How much better can it get?

Last week?s Herb Walk was another fantastic event. Student?s enjoyed all the activities including the raw foods at lunch time.

Walnut Pate was one of the dishes I served. When I offered the left overs of the spread to Franz at night he finished the entire dish ? and there was quite a bit left!

Walnut Pate

2 cups walnuts
2 stalks celery
1/2 red pepper
3 scallions or 1/2 red onion
1 tsp. salt

(Please note: I am very creative with my cooking, and so as always, proportions and ingredients are different with with each batch creating a new flavour every time around!)

Mix all ingredients together in food processor until soft and creamy.

Eat as spread on nut crackers with sprouts, tomatoes, cucumbers.

NOTE: Watch for exciting news in the next few days!

?Herb Walk? in August

“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach for every hand.
Anyone may gather it and no limit is set.
– Mother Teresa

Enjoy a day in nature while learning about local plants including herbs & weeds, their medicinal and food uses. We will start the day with a ceremony to honor Mother Earth, connect to plant spirit, enjoy raw foods and much more…

LOCATION:? 1/2 hour west of Grande Prairie at our place
DATE:? Tuesday, August 20, 10 am ? 5 pm (rain or shine!)
COST:? $80.00 including GST

Please let me know as soon as possible if you are able to join us in this fun day of learning or if you have any questions. You can contact me via email at info@herbalinstructions.com or phone 780.532.2464.

Once you have registered, you will receive further instructions.

Best wishes,
Gudrun

Mother Nature in Your Home

The abundance and beauty of the Earth at this time of the year in the Peace Country is amazing. I encourage you to bring some of the magic of Mother Earth into your home by adding the wild greens to your food, preparing a cup of tea with fresh plants or harvesting and drying herbs for later use. Goldenrod is one of those amazing herbs you can see everywhere right now.

Goldenrod is a fairly tall plant with beautiful, vibrant golden-yellow flowers. You will find it in dry woodlands, forest clearings and roadsides.

The Latin name Solidago originates from ?solidus? & ?ago,? Solidus, meaning ?healthy and strong,? and ago meaning ?to make whole.? Both of these terms refer to the plant?s ability to heal wounds.

Some common names for Goldenrod from various cultures also give an indication for its medicinal use as a wound healing herb, for example in Germany the herb is often called ?Fastening Herb?. In fact in ancient German history Goldenrod was gathered as a wound herb before engaging in battle, just in case it was needed.

However, the focus today for its use has shifted from a wound healing aid, to a very reliable herb to support the kidneys. It promotes the elimination of urine and is applied for acute as well as chronic conditions of the kidneys and bladder including inflammation. In addition it has been found to support the body during times of upper respiratory infections, especially when dealing with a chronic situation.

For medicinal purposes the leaves and flowers (early flowering stage) are being harvested and may be used fresh or dried. The fresh leaves and flowers can be used for wound healing or made into a tea, which can also be used as a wound wash. The dried herb may be used in the form of a tea as well but also as a tincture. A tincture is an alcoholic extract of a plant and is more concentrated than an herbal tea. The ?crafty? person might want to try to use the flowers as a natural dye.

This summer Goldenrod has been brightening up the landscape in so many places and the quality of it has been superb. Many times you will find it being ?infested? with many small bugs, but this year the only insects I have watched enjoying the bright, yellow flowers are butterflies and bees!

  • If you are not sure how to prepare the herbs, remember that the DVD Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone provides clear and easy to follow instructions, teaching a great variety of herbal preparations. Check my website www.herbalinstructions.com for more information.
  • Also remember the Herb Walk on August 20 if you would like to learn more about local plants and their medicinal properties.

Disclaimer

This information is not intended for the use of diagnosing any disease, condition or prescribing any treatment whatsoever. The use of any of the herbs and preparations is the sole responsibility of each individual and does not replace the services and advice of a medical practitioner and qualified healthcare provider. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your individual medical situation. No responsibility is assumed should the information be used in place of a licensed medical practitioner’s services.